What does Ofsted say about outdoor play?
Nakia Johnston
2025-07-23 12:06:44
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: 13
The outdoor learning environment is stimulating, thought provoking and enthralling. The school is further extending all-year-round opportunities for outdoor learning and adventure. Teachers do not use the outdoor learning space as well as they could to extend children's early learning of number and letter skills. Outdoor learning is limited because the school does not have a suitably enabling outdoor learning environment and covered area. The provision for outdoor learning in the early years is limited and sometimes constrains children's learning and physical development. Outdoor learning activities lack focus and purpose. A variety of experiences, including outdoor learning, widens pupils' experiences and engages their interest. Improve the provision for outdoor learning in the early years to further develop children's physical development. Build on the very good use of funding for sport and physical education to extend opportunities for outdoor learning and adventure in all seasons. Improve the outdoor learning experiences for children so that they have as many opportunities as possible to practise and develop their language and number skills and accelerate their learning. Make better use of the extensive school grounds to develop outdoor learning for all. Evaluate the specific needs to develop outdoor learning across all areas devising and implementing plans so that the quality of the outdoor learning environment matches that found within classrooms. Review what is currently provided in the outdoor learning environment and add to it where necessary to ensure it is as good as what is provided indoors. Also make sure that access to the outdoor learning environment is available to children throughout the day.
Anastacio Grady
2025-07-16 14:34:08
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: 19
Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage benefit from spending a lot of time learning through playing outside, whatever the weather. This makes a significant contribution to the excellent progress they make, particularly in their personal, social, emotional and physical development.
Bernadine Towne
2025-07-07 13:18:01
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: 22
Ofsted except a rich and stimulating outdoor area to be present in schools and good use of the school grounds to be made on a daily basis. In addition to this, the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework provided by the DfE states that there must be access for children to an outdoor area and that outdoor activities have to be planned daily. Inspections carried out by Ofsted include these expectations for outdoor learning.
Jeff Hartmann
2025-06-27 05:42:12
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: 10
Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education recognizes the value of outdoor learning, and they’re not alone either. From forest schools to outdoor adventures, there’s a growing appreciation for the benefits of learning in the great outdoors. Outdoor learning is not just about getting some fresh air; it’s about unlocking the power of nature and allowing children to explore, discover, and grow in a natural environment. Through outdoor learning, children can develop various essential skills, from problem-solving and critical thinking to confidence and resilience. For more about OFSTED and outdoor learning head to our vlog area.
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